Ziv Lavi the managing partner of Turf Landscape Design Inc, is responsible for the direction and operation of the firm which he founded in 2003. Since the establishment of this firm, he has directed the design and construction of various projects ranging from federal, municipal, commercial, communal and residential both in the US and abroad. Mr. Lavi served as an Associate Urban Designer and Sustainability expert at the New York City Department of City Planning for over 8 years. In his years at the New York City Department of City Planning he developed, designed, and implemented- among various other green initiatives- the citywide NYC Green Standards for Parking Lots, NYC Waterfront Open Space Ordinance and Million Trees NYC. As a member of the Mayoral Stormwater Mitigation special Task Force he worked with various city agencies on finding innovative solutions to NYC stormwater runoff issues. While at the City of New York's Office of the Chief Urban Designer, he also oversaw various municipal public open space improvement projects. Mr. Lavi contributed to the city's internationally recognized Zoning Handbook: Guide to NYC's Zoning Resolution, PLANYC ‘a Greener Greater New York’, New York City Street Design Manual, and The Active Design Guidelines. He served on the selection committee for the renown $76 million Queens Plaza Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvement and is a frequent guest lecturer on Landscape Urbanism and urban revitalization. Mr. Lavi holds a Bachelor degree in Landscape Architecture and a Master degree in Urban Planning both from The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture of New York.
Amanda Switzer brings more than 20 years of design experience to Turf Landscape + Urban Design, where she continues to explore her commitment to environmental design, native plants restoration and coastal plantings remediation. Prior to joining Turf Landscape + Urban Design Amanda owned and operated Gardening Concepts in East Hampton, NY for 13 years specializing in large scale residential design. Ms. Switzer designed many of the palatial estates of the Hamptons applying her understanding of ecological engineering best practices and innovative building technologies to each of her projects. Ms. Switzer holds a Bachelor degree in Landscape Architecture from The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture of New York. Many of her landscapes were included in the garden tours of the Hamptons. for the past 20 years she has been designing for Kelly and Calvin Klein, including homes in Palm Springs East and South Hampton. In addition to residential design, Amanda has worked extensively on commercial properties across Long Island, specializing in beach front design. In addition to landscape architecture, Amanda has traveled the world leading fly fishing adventures, guiding celebrities and the not so famous around the waters of the east end of Long Island. Amanda's other talents are Photography, videography, editing and interior design.